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Halifax Sights

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Fodor's Review

In an 1867 Italianate-style building that previously served as a post office, bank, and the headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, this provincial art gallery has an extensive permanent collection of more than 17,000 works—so many that there are also two floors of gallery space within the neighboring Provincial Building. Some are primarily of historical interest; others are major works by contemporary Canadian painters like Christopher Pratt, Alex Colville, and Tom Forrestall. The gallery also has a major collection of Annie Leibovitz photographs. The gallery's heart, however, is an internationally recognized collection of maritime folk art by artists such as wood-carver Sydney Howard and painter Joe Norris. The Provincial Building annex also contains the actual home of the late painter Maude Lewis (Canada's answer to Grandma Moses), whose bright, cheery paintings cover the tiny structure inside and out. A guided tour of the collection is given Tuesday through Sunday at 2:30, with an extra one added on Thursday at 7. The gallery's gift shop carries an excellent selection of arts and crafts.